After 30 Years, Ace Combat’s Director Finally Flies in a Real Jet — and You’re Welcome

Three decades into his career shaping one of simulation aviation gaming’s most beloved franchises, Kazutoki Kono has finally done what he always wanted: climbed into the cockpit of an actual fighter jet. The revelation arrived today alongside the promotional push for Ace Combat 8: Strangers of War, as Bandai Namco released a video documenting Kono fulfilling a lifelong dream that had eluded him since the series’ early days.

The timing is no accident. For years, the brand director has openly expressed his desire to experience real flight, and now, with the studio investing more than ever into its latest entry, that wish has finally come true — minus the dogfighting, of course.

A Dream Deferred for Three Decades

Kono’s journey with Ace Combat began in 1997 with Ace Combat 2, and over the following thirty years he shepherded the series into a global phenomenon. Yet despite his intimate knowledge of fighter aircraft from behind a controller, actual cockpit time remained out of reach.

“Unfortunately over the last 30 years of my career I’ve been appealing, saying ‘hey, we want to ride in one of these jets!’ but we have not yet had the chance. Neither myself, or anyone on the team.”

Kazutoki Kono, Ace Combat brand director

That changed mere months later when Bandai Namco pulled off a rather remarkable marketing maneuver. The studio gave its veteran director the opportunity to experience real flight, and the resulting video has delighted fans who had long wished to see this happen.

The Flight of a Lifetime

In the newly released footage, Kono describes an experience that clearly exceeded his expectations. What began as nervous anticipation transformed into something he calls one of the most beautiful experiences of his life.

“I was scared before getting in. But once we were airborne, it turned into one of the most beautiful experiences. The G-force during turns was noticeable, but what stood out the most was the force pushing me downward into the seat. Being up in the sky inside such a compact cockpit felt incredible.”

Kazutoki Kono

The director noted that despite being surrounded by sophisticated machinery, the cockpit proved surprisingly comfortable and inviting. Flying at close quarters compared to larger aircraft gave him a fresh appreciation for why fighter jets hold such appeal — an insight he could now bring back to his work.

A Director’s New Perspective

Even after experiencing flight in a way few people ever will, Kono remained focused on his craft. Looking out at the clouds while airborne, he found himself reflecting on the quality of the very franchise he has dedicated his career to.

“Looking out at the clouds and the sky while flying, I couldn’t help but think how Ace Combat is incredibly well-made.”

Kazutoki Kono

Looking Ahead

The video arrives as part of Bandai Namco’s most ambitious marketing campaign yet for Ace Combat 8: Strangers of War, a title the studio has clearly invested in more heavily than any previous entry. As players look toward upcoming releases and continue exploring their favorite games across platforms, this heartwarming story about a developer realizing his dream adds another layer to anticipation surrounding the franchise’s future.

For Kono, the experience represents both personal fulfillment and professional inspiration — proof that after thirty years of dreaming, sometimes the sky truly is the limit.